“This year we feel more pressure after that splendid campaign and probably some of our players can’t handle it as well.

“If Napoli are in seventh place in terms of budget and wage bill, then we cannot expect to be in the top two all the time. Last season was a stand-out moment. The only exception this season is Udinese.”

Napoli had to snatch a last-gasp point at Siena after EdinsonCavani’s controversial penalty was saved.

“It was a clear scoring opportunity and recently we are missing those too easily. You can see we have to shoulder some of the blame, as these little incidents can often decide if a season goes well or badly.